17 Beta-Estradiol–stimulated nitric oxide production by neutrophils: effect on platelet activation

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 95; no. 2; pp. 284 - 290
• Main Authors: Durán, Margarita G, Gálvez, Gema G, De Frutos, Trinidad, Díaz Recaséns, Joaquín, Casado, Santos, López Farré, Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.02.2000; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Cyclic GMP - metabolism; Estradiol - pharmacology; Genital system. Reproduction; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neutrophils - drug effects; Neutrophils - enzymology; Neutrophils - metabolism; Nitric Oxide - biosynthesis; Nitric Oxide Synthase - biosynthesis; Nitric Oxide Synthase - drug effects; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Platelet Activation - drug effects; Reference Values; Human; Cell culture; Estrogen; 17β-Estradiol; Cardiovascular disease; 3',5'-GMP; Male; Biosynthesis; Platelet agglutination test; In vitro; Ovarian hormone; Prevention; Nitric oxide; Hormonal regulation; Adult; Neutrophil; Sex steroid hormone
• ISSN: 0029-7844; 1873-233X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0029-7844(99)00567-0

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the ability of human neutrophils to produce nitric oxide (NO) and its effects on platelet activation. Methods: The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and the formation of NO by 17β-E2-incubated neutrophils from men were studied in vitro (ten male volunteers, no medical-surgical antecedents, aged 25–45 years). Platelet aggregometry and changes in cyclic guanosine monophospate (cGMP) levels were used to bioassay the functionality of NO released from neutrophils. Results: Incubation of neutrophils derived from men with physiologic concentrations of 17β-E2 (10 −10 to 10 −8 mol/L) enhanced the expression of nNOS protein. 17β-E2-incubated neutrophils also showed a significant increase in their ability to generate NO measured by the conversion of [ 3H]- l-arginine to [ 3H]- l-citrulline. Furthermore, 17β-E2-incubated neutrophils showed a greater ability to prevent adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet activation. Moreover, increased levels of cGMP were found in the coincubation of platelets with 17β-E2-treated neutrophils. Conclusion: These results suggest that 17β-E2 increases the ability of human neutrophils to produce NO and therefore may contribute to cardiovascular disease protection.